DVD Replication and Manufacturing Canada

You may have just googled “DVD Manufacturing”, “DVD Replication Canada”, or “DVD Duplication Canada” and come across this post. Check out our “Special Offers” or “Request A Quote” We’re actively working at demystifying the DVD process with our clients, and wanted to dedicate a post on our blog to things to consider when putting together a DVD project. Video is extremely easy to shoot and edit these days. Youtube is a perfect example of the point. Microsoft Movie Maker, Adobe Premiere, and Final Cut Pro are accessible programs that can allow amateur videographers and lensmen to create high quality video pieces, and many of those amateur and mid experienced film makers come to us asking questions about putting together a DVD product that will go over well with their intended audience. Here are a few things to take into consideration when doing a DVD…whether it’s for consumer use, or whether it’s an inter-office distribution of something training related. No matter the intention of the project, you probably want your product to be considered as a video product, and want to naturally differentiate it from the common CD ROM or Audio CD piece. Fair enough.

The Retail Grade DVD:

Almost every client we come across who is dealing in video, and is looking to manufacture DVD 5s, or DVD-9s (check out CD & DVD Replication in our Services section to learn about the different types of DVD media), wants that “retail look” with their DVD project. This is understandable. Almost all consumers associate DVD product with it’s unique packaging. This packaging is the first thing that a consumers note on, and it automatically increases the perceived value of a disc piece if it is being sold. The reason? Most people understand that DVDs are more expensive that CDs, and they expect to see DVD selections in stores for between 20-40 dollars. They’re used to seeing a full season of something like “The Sopranos” or “Lost” in a big fancy printed box and selling at $150.00. The DVD experience screams high definition, detailed video, and surround sound. It is a more sensory experience, and as a result, it is generally considered to be more expensive. If you’re doing a DVD project, there are few practical reasons not to put it into a DVD case or a similar alternative, such as a DVD Digipak. The most common form of packaging for DVD projects is a standard DVD “Amary” style case, with a standard “trap sheet”, which is the printed sheet that sits on the exterior of the case and effectively acts as it’s cover. Trap Sheets are commonly printed 4/0, or full color on one side (exterior side) with no need for printing on the opposite side. The trap sheet sits in between the case and a plastic film. You can add pieces, such as an insert that sits underneath two clips on the interior of the case (non DVD side). We produce up to a 24 page booklet, that can be printed full color, for the inside of DVD cases. Thinking about putting together a collage of the film production and detailed liners? These are great ideas. Retail grade DVDs are usually “over wrapped” vs. “shrink wrapped”. The difference? Over wrap is a much neater and more consistent plastic film that is folded and creased on the top and bottom of the DVD case, versus shrink wrap, which is literally veiled around an assembled DVD piece, and then subjected to heat to “shrink” the wrap around the case. Over wrap is cleaner and nicer looking, and commonly what you’d see if you’re shopping for movies. Other things to consider are “top spines”, which are white adhesive finishing stickers that sit on the top of the DVD case to make them easier to find in DVD libraries or retail racks. It’s all in the look.

Almost all DVDs are replicated if they sit in a retail store. For the differences between “replication” and “duplication”, read our blog post.

You may only need 100 or 200 DVDs, and if that’s the case, you’ll need to get them duplicated. You can still achieve that “retail look” with duplication. We begin the replication process at 500 pieces, and this is usually what you’ll find. With video, consider replication, as it is a better match to your original master disc.